There’s something magical about homemade pastries, especially when they fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked dough, vanilla, and warm spices. Today, I’ll guide you through a recipe that combines two delightful treats: soft, fluffy doughnuts and fragrant cinnamon apple rolls. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these recipes are sure to bring joy to your table.
Let’s start with the dough, the base for both treats. In a large mixing bowl, combine 800 grams of flour, 400 ml of warm milk, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 80 grams of melted butter, a fresh yeast cube (or equivalent in dry yeast), and two eggs. Add a pinch of salt, two packets of vanilla sugar, and the zest of one lemon to enhance the flavor. Knead everything into a smooth, elastic dough—it may take a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two portions. For the doughnuts, roll out one half to about the thickness of your finger. Use a glass to cut out circles—I got 10 doughnuts from this portion. Don’t discard the leftover bits of dough; gather them, roll them out again, and cut them into thin strips. I twisted the strips into pairs, cut them in the middle, and ended up with 10 more delightful shapes. Arrange the doughnuts and twists on a tray dusted with a little flour, cover them, and let them rise again until they double in size.
While those rise, let’s move to the second half of the dough to make cinnamon apple rolls. Peel and dice two apples into small cubes. Roll out the dough slightly thinner than the doughnuts, then brush it with a beaten egg. Mix two tablespoons of sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough. Add the diced apples, leaving a small border at the edge of the dough to help seal it. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into rounds about two fingers thick. Place these on a floured tray, cover with a cloth, and let them rise just like the doughnuts.
Now comes the fun part: frying. Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan or pot. To test if the oil is ready, dip the handle of a wooden spoon into it—if bubbles form around the handle, the oil is at the perfect temperature. Carefully add the doughnuts to the hot oil, covering the pan with a lid for the first minute. Reduce the heat slightly (mine goes from 1 to 9, so I lower it to 5) and fry until golden brown. Flip the doughnuts and fry the other side without the lid. Repeat this process for the twists and apple rolls, though note that the rolls may take a little longer to cook due to the apples.
For the finishing touches, you can fill the doughnuts with jam, chocolate, or custard. Dust them with powdered sugar mixed with a bit of lemon juice for a sweet glaze. As for the cinnamon apple rolls, coat them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon while they’re still warm to enhance their flavor and give them a rustic, sugary crust.
And that’s it! These golden treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well if you want to save a few for later (though I doubt they’ll last long). Whether you’re enjoying a warm doughnut filled with your favorite jam or a cinnamon-spiced apple roll with a cup of tea, these recipes are sure to brighten your day.
If you have any questions or run into any challenges along the way, I’m always here to help. Happy baking—and enjoy every bite!
